Thread by @MartinJKeatings

Dear Backers of #PeoplesAS30

I am writing this in order to disclose fully to you, a material change in my personal circumstances.

As you are all aware, I am independent (and will vehemently remain so).

As many of you are also aware, it was always my intention to stand for Holyrood in 2021, not least to push forward with the goal of ensuring legislation for a second referendum which we have all fought to bring clarity to in the Peoples Action for the last year and a bit.

However, there are two things I must freely admit. The first is that should I be elected in Mid-Scotland and Fife, any votes which would be cast for me there-after would go to waste if I stood alone.

The second is that as an independent, which has allowed me to do things (including this action) which I would otherwise not be able to do, joining a party would mean I would be constrained by a party whip and would lose that latitude.

Consequentially, in recent months I have sought to join AFI (Action for Independence) as an independent candidate. AFI is a collective/alliance of yes supporters from different walks of life.

I have chosen this option because standing on the list, if I were to be elected would mean that any votes there-after would goto another yes supporting candidate.

My mind was made up after having seen the maths in Mid-Scotland and Fife. I am pleased, that unlike other regions in Scotland, the choice is an easy one for me.

The SNP not gaining any seats here means no detriment to them if I stand on the list, which irrespective of politics, means that my standing would not harm their chances.

It's also the case that in Mid-Scotland and Fife that there are 6 unionist MSP's on the list, and there is an opportunity to displace quite a few of them.

Let me be clear - this is not any form of electoral or election campaign message and I am not advocating a position for any party in this communication.

The reason for this thread is quite simple - I have tried, to the best of my ability to keep you fully informed on all of the different aspects of this case to give you an understanding of what goes on at each stage, and hopefully an idea about how our court system works.

I've also tried extremely hard to keep politics out of the courtroom (despite opposition counsel in the case having no such qualms). However, throughout this entire process, I have remained, throughout that period, standing alone as an independent.

Now that status has changed somewhat, and while I am and will remain a solid independent, it is right and proper that I inform you that I will also be standing alongside yes supporters of other stripes, both independent and parties for Holyrood 2021.

It is right and proper that I freely declare that fact to you.

It also cannot be denied that the arguments in court with respect to our standing will also change. As someone formally declaring candidacy for Holyrood (and if elected), my position as a member of the electorate will change, and added to that, the fact that if elected to...

Holyrood, I would be someone expected to exercise powers and prerogatives of parliament. It's not a massive change in terms of court proceedings, but it's large enough that it would be dishonest not to fully inform you. So that's what I am doing.

All of this is a small change. I'm still independent, but now just working with other yes supporters for Holyrood with AFI. But I still thought it important to advise you all formally of this fact. I cannot deny, however, the opportunity to push forward with our mutual ...

people's action from within the chamber would be an honour, but these things cannot be predicted, nor founded upon.

I just need you all to know that regardless of my change in status, my first responsibility, now and always is the continuation of the people's action, come hell or high-water.

All other matters are secondary to the trust you have placed in this action - and you are my primary focus. Now until the conclusion of this vital action

Sincerely

Martin Keatings

*Disclaimer - To the Adv General and Lord Advocate -any of the above in this thread is subject to the economic viability of the case. Nothing may be inferred from the above other than a declaration of intent to the backers of the people's action, with respect to political matters